Drawing from the Battle Bunnies Blog which were at the Forge World Open Day this past weekend we got a look at some neat new previews of what’s on the cards for all manner of things Games Workshop and more. We’ll kick things off with Blood Bowl…

First up we have the Dwarf Lineman who has been shown off here with a bit more movement in him than a regular ol’ Dwarf from Blood Bowl past. Gone is the hands-on-hips look as they face off across the pitch in favour of a bit more dynamism.

As well as Dwarfs we also got a look at a Skaven Thrower too.

It’s neat to see the tail being integrated into the model a little more (and not getting in the way on the pitch). Here the Thrower has his tail wrapped around the ball ready to throw it heroically down the pitch before he gets clobbered by a charging Orc.

The Hobbit

As well as Blood Bowl getting some new previews we saw new models for the realm of Middle-Earth. Firstly we have these Gundabad Berserkers.

You might remember these from the last movie as they charged into Dale where they sliced hapless Humans and Elves to pieces. These are looking neat and probably better than their on-screen counterparts.

We also got a look at the painted version of Dain who is shown on-pig and on-foot.

Last but not least, simply because I like showing it off, we also got this neat look at the whole Dwarf army assembling with their foot troops lining up for a shield wall.

Not a bad set of releases for The Hobbit and Middle-Earth as a whole. Additionally they have also been releasing old sculpts on their webstore over the last few months and you can get some goodies if you’re quick.

Adeptus Titanicus & Warhammer 40,000

If you’re interested in Sci-Fi then you’ll want to delve deeper into their blog (HERE) where they look at what’s been previewed for all manner of different factions. However, the big news was Adeptus Titanicus and some more on rules…

Here’s some of the information that was picked up throughout the day.

They’re digging into all previous Epic games for inspiration, but it will be a new rule set.

Expect Titans to have a plasma reactor power tracker to keep track of how much power they have.

They’ll be able to overload the reactor to boost power with a risk (Overload voids, increase speed, etc)

Harpoons will be back but nowhere near as ridiculous as they used to be!

Expect 2nd edition Epic orders and damage charts

Expect 1st edition campaign and upgrade rules

Engine war will be a bit of a slugfest, with Titans slowly blasting each other to Atoms, staggering about, weapons missing, systems burnt out, but still able to fight until you smash the legs, pulverise the MIU’s or cause the reactor to go nuclear.

Manoeuvrability is key – the heavier the Titan, the slower they are. He described a play test where his final warlord was fragged when an enemy Warhound got behind it and he didn’t have enough power to overload the reactor to take more turns than they can

Knights are objective grabbers and shield droppers, don’t expect them to go toe to toe with Titans and survive

Campaign games are the default mode of play, similar to Necromunda as he described it. With options for competitive and open play.

Machine spirit personality will play a role. This sounded really exciting. Titans will pick up a personality the more used they are. So you could end up with a Titan geared for close combat and have it turn into a bit of berserker which will have an effect of it becoming less controllable in battle. ‘Resting’ the Titan becomes an important choice to make. Yes, your Titan could end up with PTSD or worse.

Also this rather impressive vehicle showed up which looked rather fun.

I would certainly explore a planet with this. I would feel very safe indeed within that armoured shell.

If you were at the Forge World Open Day add your favourite moments from it below!

Get commenting…

"However, the big news was Adeptus Titanicus and some more on rules..."

Looking at the two teams that you posted I find the Orcs are super awesome and up to date in the look they have. The humans on the other hand look so dated and old fashion. They even look static with that old one piece cast arms out look. Very sad they went that way for them.

Highlights for me where chatting to Adam and Keith from the hobbit team, really enthusiastic and passionate about the project – and lots of plans and ideas. initially expect all the cool big beasties from the battle of five armies. But they definitely have long term plans, pictures cannot do Dain justice.

Also getting to see some of the new mechanicum in the flesh – the quality is stunning. The two terminator show minis also tempted me into a small heresy project.

Overall a great day with plenty of time to talk to designers and able to get in and see all the minis.

Few tidbits, Magnus is in the works and the prospero book looks to be shaping up nicely. Also the next imperial armour book promises some sweet Tau bits and lots of goodies for ad mech.

@cpauls1 I didn’t hear it mentioned but initial release will be all stores, inc independents.

I have to say, I’m disappointed that the “starter box” for Adeptus Titanicus will be only rules and plastic terrain. Having all of the titans be resin is a bit of a downer for me personally. I certainly expected a good chunk of it to be resin, but I thought there would be a a two player set with plastic minis, like what Blood Bowl is getting.

I’m insanely excited about the new Blood Bowl. When I first saw the models I wasn’t overly keen, but they’ve definitely grown on me. I heard from a GW employee that it may be out as early as October. I really hope so.